Boston Cannons Game Preview

The Boston Cannons (1-1) will face the Chesapeake Bayhawks (2-0) for the first time this season in Harvard Stadium on what looks to be a beautiful spring Saturday, June 4 at 7:00 PM. The Cannons suffered a season ending loss to the Bayhawks in 2010 during the first semi-final game of the playoffs.

In this game, the Cannons seek revenge. With their championship hopes shut down early by the eventual 2010 Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Champions, Boston is ready for the Bayhawks this season. Last year the Cannons dropped two games in a row to Chesapeake; one being the end of their regular season schedule before the semi-final game. This season, the Bayhawks started off well, with two wins under their belt while still having three more games on the road before returning home. They’re seeing excellent offense from Michael Kimmel who currently has nine points, ranking him third for total points behind the Outlaws' Brendan Mundorf and Cannons attackman Ryan Boyle, who have 10 points each.

In their first two games, the Cannons played their best and worst. With a win to begin the season against the Long Island Lizards, Boston was on a high note. However, the Outlaws entered Harvard Stadium ready for the challenge as both teams were missing some key players. Due to the absence of players for the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship, the Cannons seemed to be a little out of rhythm with the Outlaws taking advantage and running the score early on.

The Cannons will be back in full force for this Saturday’s game as Paul Rabil, Kevin Buchanan, Jack Reid, Mitch Belisle, and Greg Downing return from Prague. While in Prague, these five Cannons guided Team USA into the semi-final game against Canada. This much-anticipated match up proved to show the best of indoor lacrosse as both teams battled for their spot in the finals. However, after some breakdowns defensively, Canada pulled through with the 15-10 win. USA moved on to play and win bronze as they defeated the Czech Republic 16-7. Each Cannon contributed to the wins of Team USA while Rabil and Buchanan ended with eight and seven goals, respectively. Buchanan also finished with a total of 11 assists.